GPs Forced Into Gig Economy Jobs Amid Unprecedented NHS Crisis

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A growing number of general practitioners (GPs) in England are struggling to find work within the NHS, with some resorting to gig economy jobs like driving for Uber just to make ends meet. Experts warn that chronic underfunding of GP practices, rising operational costs, and increasing demand for appointments have led to a crisis in primary care.  

 

According to a new survey by the British Medical Association (BMA), one in five GPs in England are considering a career change due to a lack of available jobs. A separate survey conducted by Dr. Steve Taylor of 1,000 family doctors found that one-third are either underemployed or unemployed.  

 

Dr. Taylor, a Manchester-based GP and spokesperson for the Doctors Association, described the situation as "ridiculous" and unprecedented. "In simple terms, practices haven't had enough money to employ the new GPs that we are training," he explained. "So there are doctors that are unemployed, and a large proportion of GPs are underemployed—not working the hours they'd want to work."  

 

He noted that only four years ago, his practice had just one applicant for a salaried GP position. Now, 30 doctors are competing for the same role. "Four years ago, that wouldn't have been an issue," he said.  

 

The BMA’s survey further revealed that nearly half of the respondents (47%) were considering changes to their careers. Many are looking at clinical jobs outside the NHS (43%), opportunities abroad (40%), or even leaving healthcare altogether (38%). Dr. Mark Steggles, chair of the BMA’s sessional GP committee, expressed deep concern over these findings.  

 

"At a time of immense pressure on the NHS, and patients waiting too long to be seen, it's ridiculous that so many GPs can't find work," he said. "These findings confirm our worst fears. Not only is the issue spreading through the profession, but it's also leaving many wondering why they should bother staying in the NHS at all, further depriving patients of the vital care they need."  

 

The funding crisis has left many GP practices unable to recruit staff, worsening patient care. With the rise in employers' national insurance contributions set to take effect in April, medical professionals fear the situation will deteriorate further. Unlike other sectors, GP surgeries are not exempt from these additional costs.  

 

Dr. Jessica Harvey, a GP in Shropshire, warned that the financial burden on practices is becoming unbearable. "It's an unprecedented crisis," she said. "There's not enough GPs, we can't afford more doctors, practices are closing, patients are suffering from chronic underfunding, and to have NI placed on top of that is causing an incredible amount of unnecessary stress."  

 

The BMA has urged the government to provide direct funding to GP practices to help them hire staff and prevent a potential "mass exodus" of doctors from the NHS. Dr. Steggles cautioned that the situation could worsen significantly in August when 4,000 newly qualified GPs enter a job market with limited opportunities.  

 

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the crisis, blaming it on past mismanagement. "This government inherited a ludicrous situation where patients can't get a GP, yet qualified GPs couldn't get a job," they said. "We acted immediately to cut red tape and have already proposed the biggest boost to GP funding in years—an extra £889m. We are committed to recruiting an extra 1,000 GPs as promised."  

 

Despite these reassurances, many in the medical community remain skeptical. Unless immediate action is taken to address the funding shortfall and recruitment barriers, the NHS could face a growing shortage of primary care doctors, forcing more GPs to seek employment outside the profession—or even outside the country.

 

Based on a report by Sky News  2025-02-28